Thailand Business News — Morning Briefing

Thursday, 12 November 2026 | Thailand and the United States are on the verge of announcing significant progress in their reciprocal trade negotiations at the upcoming ASEAN Summit in Manila. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has been authorized to make a joint statement confirming this development.

The negotiations, which build upon a 2025 bilateral trade framework, aim to maintain a 19% reciprocal tariff on most Thai goods, with potential zero tariffs for selected products. Thailand in return committed to market-opening measures for US industrial and agricultural products.

However, the announcement is expected to be a political milestone rather than a finalized agreement, as the specific tariff rates and detailed trade commitments remain undisclosed. Both nations must complete further domestic procedures before the agreement can be formally signed and implemented.

The US is a crucial export destination for Thailand, with bilateral merchandise trade surpassing US$110 billion in 2025. Key industries including electronics, automotive components, machinery, processed food, and agricultural products stand to benefit from a successful agreement. Nevertheless, businesses must await clearer guidance on tariff classifications, rules of origin, customs procedures, and non-tariff barriers before making any supply chain or investment adjustments.